One of my favourite parts of an Olympic year the past five occasions has been discussing and debating the composition of each country’s roster. The NHL isn’t going to South Korea in February, which we all have different opinions on. In saying that, though, I count at least four Flames players who would have gotten the call to suit up, with a few more very much in the conversation.
SWEDEN: MIKAEL BACKLUND
Backlund was a late addition to Sweden’s World Cup team last fall, replacing the injured Henrik Zetterberg. Knowing how he performed in that tournament, and how well he’s played since, it would have been a shocker to see Backlund left off a potential Olympic roster.